Botswana returns empty handed from rugby elections
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 8, 2019 12:39
Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) acting president, Sean Irish had thrown his name in the hat for additional member position.
Khaled Babbou of Tunisia is the new RA president and his vice is Andrew Owor from Uganda.
The treasurer is Tano Elvis from Ivory Coast while the secretary general is Jurie Roux from South Africa. Other committee members are Rolande Boro (Burkina Faso), Aaron Jani (Zimbabwe), Clement Sinkamba (Zambia), Nasser Bougja (Morocco), Herman M’Bonyo (DRC), Paulina Lanco (Burundi), Guedel N’Diaye (Senegal). Abdelaziz Bougja, outgoing president, was unanimously elected honorary president.
Irish told Mmegi Sport that he felt the elections went well considering prior disruptions.
“The position of honorary president has no power, but allows for knowledge transfer and mentorship,” he said.
Meanwhile, the BRU leagues kick off this weekend at Jaguars Ground in Block 8. Jaguars host BDF Cheetahs in the Super Rugby while Ryders take on Cheetahs B team in the President’s Cup.
Jaguars come into the clash with heads held up high after a shock 34-3 win over Zeerust Club in a friendly match. Andrew Paxinos is the side’s new coach. Jaguars have lost two players, Godknows Mavara and Adrian Zvarevashe, to cross town rivals, Hogs. Hogs also snatched Jaguars scrum half, Pride Nyameni. Jaguars strengthened with the addition of Victor Mushoriwa and Tamuka Pamire.
Jaguars’ club manager, Feddy Mutenheri said losing players would not deter them.
“We have kept our belief in the local players who have taken us this far and they are committed. Paxinos is not new to local rugby. He has been around and even worked with national teams,” he said.
Mutenheri said they continue to work hard in growing the club and they have been lucky to acquire sponsorship from Canon Botswana, AON Botswana, Grid Iron, LKC College and Old Mutual. It is not going to be a walk in the park for Jaguars because Cheetahs are wounded after losing the league to Hogs last season.
Cheetahs’ coach, Shine Gabatladiwe said it has been a difficult period for his side after failing to defend their title.
“It has been a trying period for us and I sat down with my technical team to strategise for this season. Look, my side has been known to field senior players or should I say old horses, but that is changing,” Gabatladiwe said.
He said Cheetahs have more young players who can keep pace with their opponents. Gabatladiwe said Jaguars players are fast and they need opposition that can keep up with them.
The match officials are also ready ahead the season kick-off. Referees chairperson, Alleck Maphosa said they are as ready as the players. Regarding the rules of the game, Maphosa said there are no changes because it is a World Cup year.
Other fixtures:
Men: Jaguars B vs Falcons
(reserve league)
Women: Jaguars vs Hogs, Hogs vs Cheetahs and Jaguars vs Cheetahs.